RealGM Wiretap

Phil Jackson recently purchased the NBA League Pass at the insistence of fiance Jeanie Buss.

Jackson has been asked by a few teams to take notes on what he sees and was recently asked by Jack McCallum what he sees when he currently watches the Los Angeles Lakers.

"They just don't put the ball in the post," said Jackson. "They'll use a screen-roll to get the guy in the post. But there's no consistent plan to do it. Yes, Kobe will go in there. But Dwight [Howard] just doesn't get any touches. They've basically eliminated his assets."

Jackson believes Howard could be similar to Shaquille O'Neal in his ability to draw double teams and find open shooters.

"I think he can be. But he is not where he needs to be physically because of the back surgery. He needs a year to recover from something like that. He's starting to come around, but he has a massive upper body to carry around. He's a terrific athlete, but he still has to get all that back. He's looking better all the time, but his problem right now is turnovers. He's got to have a little better recognition, and that will help him gain the confidence of his teammates and coach, which he does not have now."

Jackson concedes that he sees the Lakers improving.

"Yes, I think they are finding a way to play. And that's nice to see. Steve (Nash) has had to sacrifice because Kobe (Bryant) is dominating the ball, but Kobe is showing he can be both playmaker and scorer. Now it's about defense. And I think that's coming around. They make the playoffs, I think they've shown they're going to be in it with every team."